Best of the Italian Lakes

9 Days
From CAD 2,902 Was CAD 3,415
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Easy

Rating


(10 reviews)

Experience Overview

Discover the Italians’ favorite holiday haunts on this irresistible Italian Lakes trip. Linger over a sweet gelato on the shores of Lake Maggiore, sample authentic balsamic vinegar in Modena, then ease into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

  • Solferino: Join the Serenelli family for a Be My Guest dinner featuring home-grown produce. Learn about their local history and the formation of the Red Cross as you explore their didactic farm.

Dive into Culture

  • Modena: Celebrate all things Ferrari, past, present and future, at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. This pit stop includes intriguing exhibitions and an immersive experience that you'll never forget.

Iconic Experience

  • Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
  • Bergamo: See Bergamo's characteristic bell towers and admire the city's captivating Renaissance architecture.
  • Verona: Join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing walk along Verona's charming central streets. See the bronze statue of Juliet and the Roman arena.
  • Mantua: Visit UNESCO-listed Mantua with a Local Specialist. See the central arcade and grand dome of the basilica as you stroll past gold-toned façades.
  • Modena: Delve into the history and culture of Modena with a Local Specialist. Stroll through the Old Town streets and see the beautiful arcade of the Piazza Grande.
  • Milan: See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Modena: Enjoy a gourmet interlude at an historic traditional Acetaia for a tasting of some of the world’s best balsamic vinegar. As a pioneer in organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar, they put sustainable production and presentation of the soils at the heart of what they do. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Verona and Modena
  • Visit Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, Mantua and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
  • View the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena and the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 19243

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Luxury

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 44.157A

StartStarts: Milan, Italy

FinishFinishes: Milan, Italy

DurationDuration: 9 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Easy

Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2902 (CAD 322 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Journey from Milan to Lake Maggiore

A favorite summer retreat for the who's who of Italy for centuries provides an enchanting backdrop for your first day in Italy. Airport transfers will be provided at set times from Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel in the charming resort of Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a Light Supper with a drink this evening to meet your fellow travel companions and Travel Director before embarking on your journey together.

Accommodation: Simplon
Meals: Dinner

2
Day 2: Admire Beautiful Lake Como

Journey through Italy's exquisite Lake District to scenic Lake Como. Walk along the beautiful Como waterfront or relax by the lake indulging in a tasty gelato. Then it’s time to ease into la dolce vita, strolling along the lake shore at Baveno – the gentle sounds of this lakeside setting are a soulful way to enjoy your afternoon. Spend free time exploring Baveno with its Romanesque bell tower and octagonal baptistery.

Accommodation: Simplon
Meals: Breakfast

3
Day 3: Continue to Lake Garda

The enchanting lanes of Bergamo, near the foothills of the Alps, yield architectural and artistic treasures which we will have an opportunity to explore this morning. Wander past centuries-old Renaissance façades and into the exquisite Piazza Vecchia built on the site of an ancient Roman forum, the heart of political power in the city for several centuries. See the ornate Contarini Fountain and 12th century Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, which the people of Bergamo built to thank the Virgin Mary for coming to their aid in the midst of the plague during the 12th century. We continue our love affair with the Italian Lakes, traveling to the Lake Garda area for a relaxing five-night stay, where long, lazy days are a way of life.

Accommodation: Poiano Resort
Meals: Breakfast

4
Day 4: Explore Verona

Romance is in the air today as we journey to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's tragic star-crossed lovers. Our walking tour with a Local Specialist will take us to Juliet's Balcony, as well as the incredible Roman arena, still in use today. There is also plenty of time to explore the city at leisure - see the seven medieval towers of Castelvecchio, relax under the shady trees in Verona's expansive Piazza Bra or clamber up Lamberti's Tower for magnificent views.

Accommodation: Poiano Resort
Meals: Breakfast

5
Day 5: Discover the Treasures of Mantua Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter

A leisurely start to your day could see you stroll along the lakefront and enjoy a quiet coffee. Later today, you’ll embark on a half-day excursion to Mantua, a European 'Capital of Gastronomy' renowned for its significant role in the history of opera. Surrounded by lakes, this historic city with its UNESCO-listed center is a delight to explore as you’ll come to discover during your visit with a Local Specialist. See architectural treasures and artefacts, elegant palaces and Renaissance cityscapes before returning to the picturesque lakeside setting of Lake Garda. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience featuring local fare with the Serenelli family. On this memorable Be My Guest experience, you’ll hear all about the farm’s incredible role in Napoleon’s Battle of Solferino, the bloody aftermath of which inspired the establishment of the International Red Cross.

Accommodation: Poiano Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

6
Day 6: Lake Garda Your Way

Indulge in a full day at leisure to soak up the picture-perfect setting of Italy's largest lake. Journey along its tranquil shores, stopping at lakeside villages to savor the intoxicating aroma of lemons around every turn. Enjoy the flavors of delicious local olive oils and cheese at local markets, stroll along flower-lined lakeside paths or visit the lake's extraordinary sights. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the magnificent Dolomite mountains, a World Heritage Site comprising 18 peaks over 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Accommodation: Poiano Resort
Meals: Breakfast

7
Day 7: Admire Ferraris in Modena Dive Into Culture

Your day starts with an introduction to the gastronomic hub of Modena, home of sparkling Lambrusco, salty prosciutto and the intense aromas of parmigiano, for an exploration with a Local Specialist. Wander past pastel-hued façades in the heart of the city that was the birthplace of Ferrari, Pavarotti and tortellini. Modena's Old Town and the magnificent Piazza Grande with its 12th century cathedral and Torre Civica, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the day continues, you will visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum where you'll Dive Into Culture and explore the history of this Italian icon. This afternoon you will enjoy a gourmet interlude at a historic, traditional Acetaia on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste the delicious sweet and sour flavors of some of the world’s best organic and biodynamic balsamic vinegar. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. This evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner in an Italian lakeside resort.

Accommodation: Poiano Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8
Day 8: Onwards to Milan

In search of spires that reach the sky, we leave our tranquil lakeside setting behind for the chic northern capital of Milan. Admire the extraordinary Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and 19th-century Galleria with its impressive glass and iron-domed roof. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to jostle with the glamorous Milanese for your spot in the shopping district of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. This evening we indulge in a Farewell Dinner, joining our fellow travelers to celebrate the end of an exquisite holiday together.

Accommodation: Starhotels Business Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

9
Day 9: Farewell Italy

Our leisurely jaunt through the Italian Lakes has come to an end. We say arrivederci to Italy and our newfound friends.

Meals: Breakfast

Similar Experiences

Ljubljana to Split Real Food Adventure

8 Days from CAD 2,708

Italy's Treasures

12 Days from CAD 4,249

Discover Croatia

14 Days from CAD 3,649

Italy's Treasures

12 Days from CAD 4,249

Walking Tour du Mont Blanc - Premium

8 Days from CAD 3,565

Tour Operator

Trafalgar (CA)

Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide

In Business Since 1931

Reviews

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, August 2024

*Personal information removed by Feefo* is the best! Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was an absolute pleasure and truly made the experience exceptional. I’ve toured with Trafalgar before under a different guide, but *Personal information removed by Feefo* went above and beyond to meet everyone's needs. He was not only knowledgeable about each destination but also shared insightful information about the country as a whole. His wonderful demeanor, combined with his lighthearted, funny, and optimistic attitude, made the tour all the more enjoyable. Each day, *Personal information removed by Feefo* demonstrated his care and dedication, ensuring that every guest got the most out of their trip. I can say with certainty that I will be signing up for another Trafalgar tour next year, with *Personal information removed by Feefo* as my guide. The tour itself was beautiful, with well-planned excursions that allowed me to experience so much of the country. Every town, lake, and city was picturesque and well worth exploring. The local guides were also lovely—knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/29/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, October 2024

Everything was very good. Fantastic guide.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/20/2024

 

Nicola Rinaldi   -  Traveled, September 2024

Great Tour! Great tour director and local guides! This was a great trip! Our Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* made it fun and informative!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/22/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, October 2024

Solo Italian lake tour! Was good service . Everything was on time. The tour was good but I wouldn’t rate it as 5 star .. would give it 3 star Yes Italy is beautiful and most of the food we had was beautiful . The food at the first hotel we stayed in was only average . I think for the price we paid for the tour some of those extra could have been included in the tour . When you add it all up at the end it works out away too expensive for the experience especially when you travel solo.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/17/2024

 

Peter Maniscalco   -  Traveled, October 2024

All as expected. Trafalgar representative was excellent.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/16/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, October 2024

Every thing other than hotels was great, but hotels were 3star

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/23/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, October 2024

Great tour, but not the anticipated relaxed schedule. Our tour guide, Feds was excellent as was our driver, Giuseppe. Feds went out of her way to ensure everyone was looked after and all done with grace and professionalism. Best of Italian Lakes tour takes in beautiful places and scenery and experiences, however it is a full schedule. This is noteworthy as we had assumed that staying in one location for five nights would make it an easier pace, but that was not the scenario. If we could do it over we would have taken one less option as it would have provided an afternoon and evening on our own

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/09/2024

 

Trusted Customer   -  Traveled, September 2024

The optional excursions should have been included with the price of the tour. The itinerary was the best of the Italian Lakes, however, the tours of the lakes were not included in the price.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/22/2024

 

Joy Hughes   -  Traveled, September 2024

Excellent, good vale tour! See my review. Good value. Tour director excellent, very considerate plus a sense of humour; excursions well selected, meals, drivers, guides very good. Accommodation excellent but regret that Palace Hotel was too remote from facilities particularly as dinner was not available and apart from a small notice outside a darkened bar one would not have been aware that lunch was available. I suggested to the hotel that they should have a map of the area showing location of closest supermarket, pharmacy, ATM and restaurants (as hotels in many countries do).

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/18/2024

 

Beth  -  Traveled, September 2024

Gianmarco, our Tour Director was fantastic! Local specialists were knowledgeable and entertaining. This was a busy tour. We covered a lot of areas. There was very limited down time. If, you enjoy being on the move and packing in as much as possible this is the tour for you. A few people in the group opted to sit out a day to relax at the hotel. I didn’t want to miss any opportunity to see this beautiful country.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/09/2024

Share a personalized trip brochure!

Why book with us?

Rating

Best Rate Guarantee

Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate

Selection

Best Selection

The best operators from around the world

Trusted

Trusted Payments

Secure payments with Stripe

Advice

Expert Advice

Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience